An application has been submitted for a licence to serve alcohol at 117 St Mary Street, which was formerly the Natwest bank.

The branch had served customers for more than 130 years when it was announced in 2013 that it would closed due to a “sharp decrease in demand”. The landmark building was built in 1880 for the National Provincial Bank, which merged with National Westminster Bank in 1970.

Councillors approved the application, despite objections being submitted by police who say that the area is already packed with licensed premises.

Seven days a week

Senior licensing enforcement officer for Cardiff council Ruth Like had also objected because of the location of the bar. The application was submitted by Voltaire for a premises called Banc.

It is for a restaurant with an ancillary bar which would be open from Sunday to Thursday between 10am and midnight and on Friday and Saturdays from 10am until 1am. The application includes measures the company says it will take to ensure the public’s safety. They include door staff, plastic glasses on match days, and CCTV being installed.

It says any external furniture will be removed from the street at 11pm daily.

'Disproportionate violence'

South Wales Police chief inspector Dan Howe had submitted a letter in objection to the proposal saying that it falls within an area which is designated as a “cumulative impact zone” and that is an area which experiences a “disproportionate amount of alcohol-related crime, disorder and nuisance”.

The officer said if the licence was granted the force wants provisions including special measures on events days, alcohol being served by waiting staff, and no less than 80% of trading to take place via customers seated at tables and chairs.

Previous premises have had licences granted within the zone once operators have demonstrated measures they will employ to counter any violence.